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Local Las Vegas Valley breaking news from Nevada's most reliable source. Read about the latest updates happening in your region at Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Rim-to-rim canyon hike a peak experience

Of all the ways one could see the Grand Canyon, one of the very best is to hike across it, rim to rim. It is a tough physical hike, and the logistics are complicated, as you need to get camping permits in advance and arrange transportation from the destination rim back to the trailhead where you presumably left your vehicle.

Sensitive loquat requires sun protection

Question: I planted a five gallon loquat in my front yard three months ago in April. It seemed to be taking just fine at first. A few weeks ago, I noticed the older leaves were beginning to turn brown, and the newer leaves seem to be shriveling up. When I purchased it, I was told it was OK to plant in full sun. During this heat, I drip water it every two days. I estimate it receives about six gallons per watering. I check the soil regularly to make sure the soil is not drying out. Any thoughts?

Pesky bugs make protecting basil difficult

Question: This picture I sent to you shows my chewed Genovese basil. If you enlarge the picture you will see small insects resembling those who ate the leaves of the plant. What can I do without poisoning my basil?

Big Bear has many summer excursions in one

If you are looking for a great summer destination that affords cool temperatures and more outdoor opportunities than you would expect in any town, consider pointing your wagon toward Big Bear Lake, Calif.

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Sequoia National Park a must-see in high summer

If you have a few days and dollars this summer to invest, you can get much for your money and time at Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks in California. In these adjacent and jointly managed parks about six hours from Las Vegas, you can wander among the largest trees on earth, hike some of the 850 miles of maintained trail, swim in cool snow-fed mountain streams, and maybe see a black bear or three.

Pointless to attempt olive elimination

Question: Last fall, we planted an olive tree that was certified to be nonfruit blooming. Now, it is full of olives! I just want it to grow. So, should we pluck the little olives off the tree so it can put its energy into growth?

Formidable fire blight tough to tackle

Question: I have a pear tree which is about 10 years old. Up until this year, it has been pretty healthy. This spring, it got a disease. I am hoping you can identify it for me and tell me what I can do to treat it so that it won’t be a problem in the future.

Nearby Ruby Mountain country great for summer hiking

With school finally out for summer and a long stretch of hot weather looming, Southern Nevada families have both the time and good reason to seek more distant and cooler climates for hiking or sightseeing

Rock mulch best for native desert plants

Question: I often enjoy your pieces, and your suggestion of replacing rock mulch with wood chips caught my attention. I have an 18-year-old velvet ash in a small (20 feet by 20 feet), rock-covered front yard. Does this tree do better with rock or wood chips around its trunk?

Grape leaf drop hints at root, trunk issues

Question: I am having a serious problem with my grapevine. It seems to have stopped growing and is losing leaves. I used a lot of bone meal on the plants, and I am wondering if I have over-fertilized it? The ground is never dry; the flower bed it’s in is on the same drippers as prior years.

Arroyo offers passionate players positive experience

Question for all the golfers out there: How dedicated, really, are you to the game of golf? Do you play every week, maybe twice, and feel cheated if you don’t?

Avoid bird damage with certain tactics

Question: What can be done to keep birds from eating all the fruit in an orchard? My brother has an orchard in southern Utah. There are about 100 trees, mostly dwarf and semi dwarf. Last year, birds got 90 percent of the fruit. He has tried scarecrows, but that didn’t work. He has also tried aluminum foil pie tins, but that only worked temporarily. Is there any solution for him other than buying netting to cover the trees?

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